When the Avalanche is on a roll, Marc Moser makes Mike Haynes sound like "Silent Cal" Coolidge.

The Denver broadcasters are noted for their strong vocal support on Altitude Sports — Moser on radio and Haynes, who teams with Peter McNab, on television.

Moser lifted his solo "homer" support to a new level during the Avalanche's playoff victories over the Minnesota Wild at the Pepsi Center on Thursday and Saturday. He may be loud, but he's also entertaining.

Still, television was the place to be Thursday and Saturday as the Altitude camera crew, aided by Haynes and McNab, produced a "you are there" feeling for armchair fans.

The Avs snatched victory from the jaws of defeat Thursday, scoring the tying goal with only 13.4 seconds left in regulation and winning 5-4 in overtime.

I don't know the price of those expensive seats behind the glass near the goals, but dedicated Avs fans must feel they're worth it.

And such rowdy drama translates well to television.

Two old bromides — "a game for the ages" and "a nearly miraculous win" — have been used to describe the Avs' success Thursday.

Whatever. Give Haynes, McNab and the Altitude camera team credit for keeping the drama in focus.

Surveys often show that many local armchair viewers are relatively new hockey fans. While aware of the rules and nuances of football, baseball and basketball, some are a bit unsure about what's happening on the ice regarding rules.

When time allows, Haynes and McNab occasionally are hockey educators.

Before the NFL playoffs started, Mike "Doc" Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, NBC Sports' high-profile hockey broadcasters, were asked during a conference call about the Avs' rise to prominence this season, led by Patrick Roy and Joe Sakic.

The broadcasters offered predictable answers: Roy and Sakic have done an excellent job in returning the Avs to the NHL's "upper echelon."

If the Avs continue their winning run, they will gain a lot of national TV coverage. ESPN and other outlets love stories about alumni stars who return to their team.

Lockheed says object part of 'sensor technology' testing that ended ThursdayWhat the heck is that thing? It's fair to assume that question was on the minds of many people who traveled along Colo. 128 south of Boulder this week if they happened to catch a glimpse of what appeared to be a large, silver projectile perched alongside the highway and pointed north toward town.

PARIS (AP) — Bye, New York! Ciao, Milan! Bonjour, Paris! The world's largest traveling circus of fashion editors, models, buyers and journalists has descended on the French capital, clutching their metro maps and city guides, to cap the ready-to-wear fashion season. Full Story